YSJ Farms Ekiti denies allegations of defrauding youths, clarifying fees were voluntary and payments performance-based in agriculture initiative

Management of YSJ Farms Limited, a private agricultural company, denied allegations that it defrauded youths in Ekiti State under the Bring Back the Youths to Agriculture programme during a press briefing in Ado-Ekiti.

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YSJ Farms General Manager Rotimi Omole described the claims as misleading, false, and a distortion of the programme’s structure and operations.

He emphasised that the initiative was designed to address youth unemployment and promote sustainable participation in agribusiness, not for exploitation.

Omole clarified that a sum of N100,000 paid last year by pioneer participants in 2024 was a voluntary commitment fee approved by the company to ensure seriousness and long-term engagement during the formative stage of the programme.

He stressed that new participants are not required to pay any fees, and the scheme is free of charge for subsequent intakes.

Addressing allegations of unequal remuneration, Omole explained that all payments are strictly performance-based, reflecting measurable outputs, regular attendance, and level of engagement at the farm site.

He added that disparities in payment among participants were due to differences in individual performance rather than favoritism or denial of entitlements.

“Some beneficiaries were paid as high as N1.5 million, while others earned lower amounts corresponding to their contributions. The payment structure encourages accountability, hard work, and sustainability. It rewards effort and results rather than mere participation,” Omole said.

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The General Manager emphasised that the Bring Back the Youths to Agriculture programme is committed to transparency and fairness, ensuring that participants are properly compensated for their productivity while fostering skills development in the agricultural sector.